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Being a person that was actually at the race site and had a pretty good view of what was going on in the first turn I would say that the patrol boat drivers did exactly what they should have (Not to mention there wasnt a driver in the heat that complained). By the time any of the drivers that were a danger to me in the water would have seen the flags the situation was over. If I was going to be hit by oncoming traffic it would have happened immediately after the flip. I was slow at putting my hands up because I wanted to make sure I was behind my boat and somewhat protected before I put up the OK signal. The patrol boat drivers were looking directly at me and were waiting for the sign. While they were waiting for my signal they were slowly making their way between me and oncoming traffic (No Wake). (This was all cut out in the video) I would not have wanted anyone else in the patrol boat. They did a phenomenal job and I would hope that any time I go in the water in the future I have somebody as competent in the turn boat. We fight at the races to fill the patrol boats with volunteers yet when we get the best we scrutinize their actions. I think we should just enjoy the great footage and commend our friends that volunteer to put themselves between us and danger. Thanks guys
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Last edited by Moon child; 10-21-2009, 04:37 PM.Dave W. Young
95-D
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Very well put Dave. I hope the same guys are in the turn boat the next time I am racing, (BUT I DOUGHT THAT I WILL EVER END UP IN THE WATER) HURRICANE BILL 96-DComment
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Very well put Dave!
I was the lead boat in this video and remember this very well. Heading up the backstretch I knew something had happened when the blue and white was flying clearly in turn two. The judges stand had it flying also as I came around the turn and headed down the front stretch. At this time after some searching to see where the driver was I could see the boat heading toward Dave.
I purposely went the long way around the outside so that all behind me could clearly see Dave. I commend the turn boat drivers whoever they were and if I am in the same situation I hope they do the same exact thing.
Please understand that the depth perception of the video is way off. Dave was way outside of the turn and in not as a bad spot as it may look.
To top it all off in this situation we had one of the best referee's that has ever stood on the stand watching over us.
What a great club SSOA is and I can't wait to drive 11 hrs again next year to race with them again in beautiful Taunton.
p.s. Thanks Bob for sharing a very cool video, hope you are out there with us next year!Comment
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Judegement
In the end it is a judgement call. It is up to FIRST the turn boat as they have the best view, next to the Judges stand. The Judges stand can immediately toss the black flag if they choose. So can the turn boat.
I have seen a lot in my many, many years. The one that is the worst is a stalled boat in the turn, no flip, just sitting there and a black flag is tossed. I admit, there are times when the right decision is made, but I feel a lot of the time to many folks choose to fly the black flag when it is not neceassary. And all in the name of saftey. Saftey is very important. But we should not always be so quick to black flag. I also agree with whoever said having competent turn boat drivers is important. It is not only that, it is critical. We should not rely on rookies, kids or a 40 year old inexperienced in bad situations. That is a saftey hazzard more so than worrying about a flipped driver in the turn.
Dan is right, there are a lot of opinions on this. I guess each club will choose.Dave Mason
Just A Boat Racer
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Tough issue for me to offer my opinion. It's safety first!
A lot of people who know me, are aware of the fact that I was one of the rescue boat personnel in the first turn at the 78 Nationals 35SS hydro finals when Hank Menzies lost his life. We never really saw what happened to Hank. He was out of his boat. When the water spray settled, I was already motoring into the turn. One of the drivers drove by and yelled that he hit him. The time factor for us to black flag the race was immediate. This would not have helped the outcome for Hank. His condition was unknown, but his demise was the result of being hit in the back of the head and prop cut from being run over. I hope that none of you have to ever rescue an injured racer. But one thing I know I can live with is: I'd rather be ****ed because I black flagged a race than ****ed because I didn't. So, if anyone has ever been critical of my decisions while on patrol boat duty, you now know the reason for my actions.
My hat is off to the volunteers at Taunton and any other race for that matter. You guys made a decision to protect the driver. You did your job.
Rick Wagner Sr.Comment
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Very well said. We always lean to the cautious side at our races. If a driver goes in the water the decision is already made. The heat is stopped every time. If you have been there when a driver has lost his life you will know where Rick and I are coming from. It is something you will never forget.Originally posted by Wagneracing06 View PostMike - One of the Montana Boys
If it aint fast make it look good
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25ssh video
Didn't mean to cause any controversy with the video. I was just posting the video to show a class everyone had given up for dead a few years back and now we have 10 to 12 boats at every race in region 1. The video is misleading as Dave was wide outside the turn, the distance is compressed by the camera lens being in telephoto mode. Telephoto lenses compress distance and wide angle lenses exaggerates the distance, (think of the passengers side mirror on a car).
Bob Van
99-DComment
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Thats ok Bob. During the winter folks are looking for things to talk about and this was a good one. I am sure it is not what you expected but HR has been know to get a little off subject.
Mike - One of the Montana Boys
If it aint fast make it look good
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No issues with the boat. If your looking for firewood to get you through the winter you may want to look for kindling in your own trailer.lol
Last edited by Moon child; 10-22-2009, 07:53 PM.Dave W. Young
95-D
"Roll it up or roll it back on the trailer"Comment
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As a new driver the thought of going out of the boat in traffic is the scary part. While getting experience & working on going faster I have a conservative plan. I don't see any sense in crowding the chute or 1st turn. Ive gained a little but still not ready & don't think it would be fair yet to charge the line up front taking a chance on messing up in the midst of the contenders somewhere around turn 1 lap1.
The vid looked to me like the boat was in the wrong place, wrong time, caught up in soup & tossed... could happen to anybody. When your pushing your equipment as far as needed to compete to some degree you have to trust it to help get you around. Even tho Ive driven my hydro alot for fun before racing it, Ive never pushed it as hard as in my 1st heat thru the ruff or calm.
As far as the calls on safety I think it has to be called as seen by attentive crews & can only hope that if you go swimming the 'lifeguard' is on duty. I also think you should be sure you're ok & if possible behind your boat before signaling that you are. You can be seriously injured & feel funny yet not be fully aware of your condition... OutsiderTeam TowerComment
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It's somewhat comforting to know (by what has been written here) that we share an interest in safety. However, you can't write rules or guidelines for every possible scenario. That's why we need to make sure the folks in turn boats are up to the task. Each situation offers its own degree of uniqueness. This was a good video, but you needed to have been there if you want to question the call.
Alex
DSH 12AComment
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